This year arrives amid a few interesting tren...

This year arrives amid a few interesting trends. More America ns are interested in local and sustainable foods: urban farming, chicken-raising. And more Americans are hunting, spending increasing time and money on that pursuit.

Viewed from the right angle, though, both these trends could have a place at the holiday table. What would happen if more Americans made Thursday's (Thanksgiving Day) meal out of wild turkeys? What if more people enjoyed a wild Christmas goose, or wild pig ham? If more did, the results might be better for the environment, for our health-and perhaps for our souls as well.

Americans' growing interest in local food is evident everywhere. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets rose from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,144 this year. Cities from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Gainesville Florida, have eased restrictions on backyard chickens, some “locavores” are content to get community-supported agricultural produce delivered, and buy grass-fed beef. But for a growing number, hunting is the next step. The meat is local and avoids the ethical complications of factory farms.

Hun ting has definitely enjoyed a resurge nee. Census statistics show that the percentage of America ns who hunt -which had been falling for decades-is back up at a 20-year high.

Hank Shaw, author of the new wild bird cookbook Duck, Duck, Goose, and owner of the James Beard Award-winning website Hunter Angler Gardener Cook, calls it The Omnivore's Dilemma effect. After reading Michael Pollan's best-selling book on where food comes from many people join a community-supported agriculture group, but some get a hunting license, too.

“I can't tell you how many people I talk to who view hunting as a part of a larger, personal goal of sustainable eating,” Shaw says.

Of course, characterizing hunting this way blurs many lines. To some, shooting animals cannot possibly be an environmentally friendly activity. The existence of “hipster hunters" is also limited by cultural attitudes toward guns. It's almost impossible to legally own a hunting weapon in Brooklyn. But hunting wild animals requires the preservation of wild land -certainly an environ mental plus -and if you're going to eat meat, hunting has a lot going for it that industrial farms do not. The animal lived a free and natural life, up to its last day.

Add to this the fact that some game populations have grown unnaturally large due to the lack of predators(食肉动物). The East Coast is filled with white-tailed deer. Geese take up residence on golf courses, and wild pigs wander through the woods. In his 2012 book Nature Wars journalist Jim Sterba argued that more humans live in closer contact with wild animals than at my point in history. Hunting can keep a check on that.

Hunting can keep a check on our appetites too, Susan Cameron Devitt, a biologist who recently moved from Florida to Texas, notes that one of the things you learn quickly from hunting is how much labor goes into producing a meal. “If you buy meat at the grocery store, you can eat three servings a day, but if you imagine trying to keep that up with hunting, it just wouldn't be possible;” she says.

Which brings us back to holiday tables? In the original version of Thanksgiving and Christmas, these were special meals, based around dishes you wouldn't eat frequently. These days, you can buy turkey whenever. A wild turkey, caught and then cooked, is a different matter. A speckle-belly goose elevates the Christmas dinner in a way a regular supermarket ham does not.

When you know where your food comes from, when you've labored to bring it to your table, you more naturally feel grateful for the amazing abundance of this planet. “There's no better way to engage with nature than to seek dinner within it” says Shaw.

1.What can we learn about the trends?

A.Few people regard hunting as a part of a personal goal of sustainable eating.

B.Hunting in the USA is consistent with the cultural attitude to guns.

C.The media play a part in promoting the popularity of hunting.

D.Hunting is likely to replace industrial farms

2.The underlined phrase “game populations” in paragraph 8 refers to ______

A.the number of hunters

B.the number of wild animals and birds

C.animals and birds caught through hunting

D.campaigns to ban the hunting of wild animals and birds

3.The underlined part in Paragraph 9 implies ______

A.some hunters do not have the desire to eat meat from industrial farms

B.hunting provides hunters with three servings a day

C.some hunters do not have a healthy appetite

D.hunting helps hunters control their appetite

4.What can we infer from the last but one paragraph?

A.In the past, people ate turkeys only on Thanksgiving Day.

B.Supermarket turkeys will not be accepted by people any more.

C.Wild turkeys are more delicious then those bought from grocery stores.

D.Wild turkeys help bring back the festive atmosphere of Thanksgiving Day.

5.According to the last paragraph, hunting is beneficial for ______

A.our mental health B.our physical fitness

C.the environment D.farmers’ markets

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Every few years comes a fitness trend that has people scratching their heads in amazement. “Crunning” will probably be one of them. The “c” stands for “crawling”(爬行). This new sport needs two-legged humans running on all fours!

The funny idea is the brainchild of Shaun McCarthy. The 34-year-old is convinced that it will revolutionize fitness as we know it. According to the sports enthusiast, “The only thing that crunning’s changed about fitness is that it’s changed everything about fitness.”

Mccarthy has no scientific evidence to prove that crunning is more efficient than traditional two-legged running. However, he believes it is a more effective way to exercise because it puts an emphasis on the shoulders and arms, providing a complete body workout. Mccarthy also says crunning seems to tire him out more. He therefore concludes that the unconventional exercise is a bigger calorie burner than normal running.

While experts generally agree that crunning may provide a better workout, many are not sure if it is the right exercise for humans. Fitness coach Kevin Dean says we are not built to be on all fours and our wrists are therefore not as strong as our ankles. He believes crunning, which he calls a fad(时尚), could result in bad wrist and shoulder injuries, not to mention broken noses.

But McCarthy is not worried. Since the release of his crunning video a few weeks ago, many Melbourne residents have been seen scampering around on all fours. As it turns out they are not the only ones. In the Chinese city of Zhengzhou, crawling, a much slower version of crunning, has been a favorite activity for many years. According to some enthusiasts, the light exercise that is believed to date back two thousand years to the Han Dynasty, is good for curing back and spine ailments.

Ready to give crunning try? Then Mccarthy recommends investing in some good shoes, hardy gloves and most important of all, a face mask!

1.What can we learn about crawling according to Kevin Dean?

A. Our ankles are stronger than our wrists.

B. Crawling is an efficient way to work out.

C. The city of Zhengzhou is the origin of crawling.

D. Crawling can burn more calories than normal running.

2.What does the author think of crunning?

A. Dangerous.　 　　　　　　　 B. Interesting.

C. Beneficial. 　　　　　　 D. Unbelievable.

3.Why does McCarthy suggest people wearing a face mask when crunning?

A. To amuse other people.

B. To avoid being recognized.

C. To protect the nose from being injured.

D. To prevent sweat dropping on the ground.

4.What is the text mainly about?

A. A new way of crawling.

B. A new trend of exercising.

C. A scientific discovery.

D. A traditional way to keep fit.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Over the last few years, there’s been a trend to focus on gratitude. We can buy different kinds of gratitude journals, or download apps that remind us to write down our blessings.1.“But it's also important to remember that gratitude is free.”says Laurie Santos, who teaches a course on the science of well-being and happiness at Yale University.

Noting down gratitude seems to pay off. Studies have found that giving thanks can help people sleep better, lower stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Keeping a gratitude journal can decrease materialism and enhance generosity among adolescents.2.“It’s one practices that really wins out from the field of positive psychology.” she says. Her students, in addition to keeping gratitude journals, are asked to write a thank-you letter and then read it out loud to the recipient (收信人). “They show measurable improvements in well-being even a month after they’ve done this.”she says.

3.One study found that counting blessings once a week boosted happiness, but doing so three times a week didn't. There’s also a lack of research on bow gratitude exercises help people with clinical depression or anxiety. Indeed, for all the research on the broad benefits of expressing gratitude, it isn't for everyone.4. It can't make injustice, loss or pain disappear.

During really tough times, like when she suffers from poor health, Santos feels like she is reaching for reasons to be grateful. But she still tries to find some. “I’m grateful for the sun that’s shining or being able to wake up,” she says.5.

A.And it isn’t a cure-all.

B.So it doesn’t feel pleasant.

C.Those products remind us to take time to be grateful.

D.What works for some people may not work for others.

E.Gratitude allows her to remember what is going well.

F.Practicing too much gratitude may have undesired effects.

G.That's why gratitude features heavily in Santos' happiness class.

高三英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析

A few years ago my wife and I took a trip to Costa Rica. Upon arrival we____a car and headed out to our first destination which was a few hours away. I had a____so I figured I'd be in great condition. About 20 minutes into the drive I found myself practically____in the unmarked streets and dirty roads. Upset. I turned to Siri, a virtual(虚拟的) assistant in my phone, for help.

I typed the____ to our destination in my phone and instantly Siri had ____ the best route(路线)to get there and we were on our way.

The only____was that things didn't always go the way I thought they would. With the streets not being well _____I would sometimes miss a turn and head in the ____direction. Luckily, Siri never got____with me. Any time I missed a turn Siri would simply ____and say, "Recalculating route. ____ route.”And within a few seconds, Siri would have a new route____to get us to our destination.

Sometimes the new route meant I had to____ to the right turn and sometimes she found a different route that took my new location into ____ .Eventually we made it to our hotel ____and enjoyed some beautiful scenery along the way.

Most people make the ____of thinking that success and happiness come from someone setting a goal and then ____ straight towards it. The____ is that there is no straight path to success. There isn't even the____ path. There are many paths that can get you to your goals. You just have to be____to recalculate your route when you miss a turn or there is something in your way.

1.A. produced B. repaired C. rented D. purchased

2.A. car B. phone C. compass D. map

3.A. absorbed B. lost C. experienced D. free

4.A. address B. approach C. receipt D. schedule

5.A. polished B. discovered C. opened D. managed

6.A. fear B. difference C. sympathy D. problem

7.A. marked B. paved C. arranged D. expanded

8.A. illegal B. new C. wrong D. potential

9.A. generous B. mad C. concerned D. cautious

10.A. break down B. cut in C. get up D. go away

11.A. Abandoning B. Cancelling C. Reaching D. Changing

12.A. checked B. updated C. adjusted D. planned

13.A. point B. lead C. return D. apply

14.A. order B. direction C. account D. place

15.A. safely B. frequently C. hungrily D. gradually

16.A. mistake B. excuse C. accident D. trouble

17.A. accumulating B. withdrawing C. marching D. fleeing

18.A. answer B. truth C. condition D. privilege

19.A. first B. suitable C. accurate D. only

20.A. willing B. proud C. anxious D. ambitious

高三英语完形填空困难题查看答案及解析

It’s often interesting to take a look at some of the lists that arrive toward the end of the year such as top devices, best gadgets, most desirable high-tech gift and more. Apart from cell phones and tablets, and Apple and Samsung products, this year many other gadgets made it on the most wanted list from Yahoo Tech and the most searched list from Bing. com. Read on to find out what they are.

Wireless headphone

Portable Bluetooth headphones represent the next evolution in headphone technology. If you have a compatible smartphone with Bluetooth, the obvious benefit is that you can get rid of the wires snaking from your backpack or pocket. Many of the wireless headphones in the market also have a built-in microphone for taking calls hands-free.

Product to buy: Beats Studio Wireless

Features:　 Signature look, and powerful audio performance with intense bass and high-mid boosting, plus plenty of accessories.

Price:　　 1898 yuan

Smartwatch

The primary advantage of a smartwatch over traditional watches is that they reduce how often you have to pull your phone out of your pocket. With it, the information on your smartphone goes straight to your wrist, and you can decide first if they are worth dealing with.

Product to buy:　　 Pebble smartwatch

Features:　　 Understated design, with easy setup and instant information, and customizable watch faces, plus synes（同步）with Android or IOS.

Price:　 $99 (about 612 yuan)

Portable Bluetooth speaker

Bluetooth speakers are steadily growing in popularity because they let you take the party anywhere. They can be paired with your music device, and they are able to withstand incidental bumps. Though small in size, Bluetooth speakers provide a steady soundtrack for even the lengthiest bacchanalia (狂欢)。

Product to buy:　 Logitech UE Boom

Features:　 Water and stain resistant, 360-degree sound, 15 hour battery life, with a variety of color patterns.

Price:　 1499 yuan

Fitness band

Basically, fitness bands are smartwatches without the watch. They keep track of your exercise progress and, at the same time, allow you to monitor vitals such as your heart rate, calories burned and amount of time spent exercising. Some even monitor your sleep patterns.

Product to buy:　　 Fitbit Flex

Features:　 Long battery life (five days), with silent vibrating alarm, and wireless syncing to smartphones.

Price:　　 898 yuan

1.According to the first paragraph, a smartphone that __________ is a compatible one.

A. goes with other devices

B.has a large capacity

C. represents technological evolution

D. has signature look

2. How much money is he likely to spend on some of the products if a man is an enthusiastic musical fan?

A. 3397 yuan　 B.1510 yuan

C. 2397 yuan 　　 D. 2510 yuan

3.Which of the following words can best summarize the common feature of the above products?

A. Wearable　 B. Cheap

C. Android　 　 D. Wireless

4.Which of the following statements is Not True according to the passage?

A. Smartwatch and Fitness band are similar products to some extent.

B. Beats Studio Wireless features plenty of accessories.

C. All the products can sync with Android or iOS

D. Tablets are on the most wanted list of high-tech products of this year

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Amid weak job and housing markets, consumers are saving more and spending less than they have in decades and industry professionals expect that trend to continue. Consumers saved 6.4 percent of their after-tax income in June. Before the recession, the rate was 1 to 2 percent for many years. In June, consumer spending and personal incomes were essentially flat compared with May, suggesting that the American economy, as dependent as it is on shoppers opening their wallets and purses, isn’t likely to rebound anytime soon.

On the bright side, the practices that consumers have adopted in response to the economic crisis ultimately could make them happier. New studies of consumption and happiness show, for instance, that people are happier when they spend money on experiences instead of material objects, when they relish what they plan to buy long before they buy it, and when they stop trying to outdo the Joneses.

If consumers end up sticking with their newfound spending habits, some tactics (策略) that retailers and marketers began using during the recession could become lasting business strategies. Among those strategies are offering goods that makes being at home more entertaining and trying to make consumers feel special by giving them access to exclusive events and more personal customer service.

While the current round of stinginess may simply be a response to the economic downturn, some analysts say consumers may also be permanently adjusting their spending based on what they’ve discovered about what truly makes them happy or fulfilled.

“This actually is a topic that hasn’t been researched very much until recently,” says Elizabeth W. Dunn, an associate professor in the psychology department at the University of British Columbia, who is at the forefront of research on consumption and happiness. There’s massive literature on income and happiness. It’s amazing how little there is on how to spend your money.

Studies over the last few decades have shown that money, up to a certain point, makes people happier because it lets them meet basic needs. The latest round of research is, for lack of a better term, all about emotional efficiency: how to reap the most happiness for your dollar.

So just where does happiness reside for consumers? Scholars and researchers haven’t determined whether Armani will put a bigger smile on your face than Dolce & Gabbana. But they have found that our types of purchases, their size and frequency, and even the timing of the spending all affect long-term happiness.

One major finding is that spending money for an experience — concert tickets, French lessons, sushi-rolling classes, a hotel room in Monaco — produces longer-lasting satisfaction than spending money on plain old stuff.

“‘It’s better to go on a vacation than buy a new couch’ is basically the idea,” says Professor Dunn.

Thomas DeLeire, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin discovered that the only category to be positively related to happiness was leisure: vacations, entertainment, sports and equipment like golf clubs and fishing poles.

1.What’s the dark side of American consumers’ saving more and spending less?

A.The job and housing markets will become even weaker.

B.There is little hope that the American economy will recover soon.

C.More and more retailers and marketers will have to go bankrupt.

D.It’s possible that the American economy will rebound sooner.

2.What will happen if customers keep their spending habits formed in the economic downturn?

A.They will get goods and services much cheaper.

B.It’s likely that they spend more time indoors.

C.Retailers will change their business strategies.

D.They will enjoy better services and experiences.

3.What surprises Elizabeth W. Dunn according to the passage?

A.There is little about how to spend money to make people happy.

B.Consumers unconsciously adjust their spending habits to be happy.

C.People started researches on consumption-happiness relationship so early.

D.Happiness is proved to have nothing to do with consumption.

4.Scholars such as Prof. Dunn and Prof. DeLeire agree that_______.

A.richer people feel happier and more satisfied

B.most consumers prefer leading brands like Armani

C.spending on vacations brings long-term happiness

D.people should curb their spending on material thing

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

There were two interesting pieces of news items in the paper a few years ago. One was about a man who received a bill from the telephone company for $ 2,000 a month for doing nothing.

　The connection between the two news items is simple; computers-the best invention of the 20th century. The telephone bill came from a computer which made a terrifying mistake; that man’s bill was only $ 23.26. The other item was not as amusing. A man walked into the unguarded computer room of a large packaged food company and expertly programmed the computer to pay him $ 2,000 a month for raw meat which he “supplied ” to the company. Of course he never sent the meat, but he certainly received the money . The computer wrote out a bill, and even “signed ” it. It was only a random (随便) check that uncovered the trick. It could be happening in thousands of other companies all over the world.

　Computers are not the magical workers that some people say they are. They make mistakes, they’re sometimes slower than human beings and they’re easily fooled.

　The US used to conscript (征兵) people with the help of a computer. The army sent out a card, which had to be filled in and sent back. It was easy to avoid being called up simply by spreading candle-wax(腊) on the card. The computer couldn’t read the card, and did nothing with it.

　It’s in our everyday life that computers cause many problems. Let’s get back to using people instead of computers, before a mistake that we can’t put right.

1.In the first paragraph we can conclude ______.

2.The main idea of the second paragraph is _______.

3.Computers ______.

4.The writer thinks _______.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Over the past few years, smart home tech has become more and more accessible and it's increasingly easy to find that you've bought a product that includes smart home features. So what does a modern smart home look like, and how can you start building one? You could get to start making your home smarter by the following gadgets.

Ecobee 4

*Measuring both occupancy and temperature, its sensors signal your Ecobee to automatically switch to the right mode.

*It only takes about 30 minutes, thanks to an easy-to-follow installation guide and an in-app step-by-step walkthrough.

*Easily adjust temperature using your voice with built-in Alexa or from wherever you are using your mobile devices.

Amazon Smart Plug

*Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa to add voice control.

*Schedule lights, fans, and appliances to turn on and　 off automatically, or control them remotely when you're away.

*It's simple to set up and use. Plug in,　 open Alexa app, and start using your voice.

The Philips Hue White Smart Bulb

*It works with Amazon Alexa to support dimming through voice control.

*Schedule your own custom lighting scenes. Set the smart bulbs to turn on and off at a pre-set time.

*To install, simply screw(拧) the smart bulbs into your desired light location.

*Control smart-bulb-equipped lamps and overhead lights via the Philips Hue App.

August Smart Lock Pro

*It works with Alexa for voice control(Alexa device sold separately).

*Control keyless access. It locks automatically behind you, and unlocks as you approach.

*Install in about 10 minutes with just a screwdriver(螺丝刀).

1.What do the four gadgets have in common?

A. Useful Philips Hue App.　　 B. Beautiful lighting scenes.

C. Easy installation and simple set-up.　　 D. Pleasant temperature.

2.This passage is intended to ________.

A. introduce the gadgets of smart home　　 B. provide advice for home decoration

C. compare the gadgets with others　　 D. show the popularity of the gadgets

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Over the past few years, smart home tech has become more and more accessible and it’s increasingly easy to find that you’ve bought a product that includes smart home features. So what does a modem smart home look like, and how can you start building one? You could get to start making your home smarter by the following gadgets.

Ecobee 4

* Measuring both occupancy and temperature, its sensors signal your Ecobee to automatically switch to the right mode.

* It only takes about 30 minutes. thanks to an easy-to-follow installation guide and an in-app step-by-step walkthrough.

* Easily adjust temperature using your voice with built-in Alexa or from wherever you are using your mobile devices.

Amazon Smart Plug

* Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa to add voice control.

* Schedule lights, fans, and appliances to turn on and off automatically, or control them remotely when you’re away.

*It’s simple to set up and use. Plug in, open Alexa app, and start using your voice.

The Philips Hue White Smart Bulb

* It works with Amazon Alexa to support dimming through voice control.

* Schedule your own custom lighting scenes. Set the smart bulbs to turn on and off at a pre-set time.

To install, simply screw (拧) the smart bulbs into your desired light location.

* Control smart-bulb-equipped lamps and overhead lights via the Philips Hue App.

August Smart Lock Pro

* It works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).

* Control keyless access. It locks automatically behind you, and unlocks as you approach.

* Install in about 10 minutes with just a screwdriver (螺丝刀) .

1.What do the four gadgets have in common?

A. Useful Philips Hue App. B. Beautiful lighting scenes.

C. Easy installation and simple set-up. D. Pleasant temperature.

2.This passage is intended to ________.

A. introduce the gadgets of smart home B. provide advice for home decoration

C. compare the gadgets with others D. show the popularity of the gadgets

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

As more Europeans arrived in America 500 years ago, they were in such great need of the land that they and the Native American Indians battled constantly. By the end of the 19th century, most Indian tribes (部落) were moved to reservations. A lot of their children were taken away to boarding schools to learn to speak English. By the end of the 20th century, more than half of the Native Americans in the US were living in the cities. They gave up speaking their old tribal language and only used English. As a result, many Native American languages disappeared and with that their culture.

Today some American Indian languages are usually spoken by the older members of the tribes who still live on the reservations. In North America there are 150-170 languages that have at least one speaker. One ancient language spoken by the Northern Paiute tribe has over 100 speakers.

But the good news is that some of these people are keeping their culture and language alive. They are also receiving help from the National Geographic Society’s Enduring Voices project, whose aim is to help languages around the world which are dying out. The team meets these “last speakers”. The experts interview them and they are recorded with video, pictures and so on. They also tell old stories which are written down in English so people can learn more about the cultures.

Recording the language and culture is only part of the project. The next stage is to pass on the language to the next generation. The Salish tribe is an excellent example of how schools can help. The tribe lives on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. Their language is spoken by about 50 people aged over 75. So now, the local people have set up a school. It has 30 students aged two to twelve during the day and there are also courses for adults in the evening.

1.Why did Europeans fight with the American Indians?

A. To live in American cities　　 B. To occupy more living space

C. To have Indians speak English　　 D. To make Indian cultures disappear

2.What does the underlined word “They” refer to in Paragraph 3?

A. The experts　　 B. The recordings

C. The Indian cultures　　 D. The last speakers

3.What can we know about the Salish tribe?

A. It has its own language school.　　 B. It has given up speaking English.

C. Its next generation speaks English.　　 D. Its language is only learnt by adults.

4.What can be a suitable title for the text?

A. Learning American Indian Languages

B. Researching on American Indian Languages

C. Saving American Indian Languages

D. Finding Lost American Indian Languages

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析